Monday, January 29, 2018

On the Hunt - The 2018 AGTA GemFair™!

As of tomorrow afternoon, I will be on the hunt in Tucson, Ariz. at the American Gem Trade Association’s annual AGTA GemFair™ at the Tucson Convention Center! I am super excited for the almost week-long trip. If you saw my previous blog post, you know that I’ll be doing more than just gem hunting while in Tucson so be sure to follow my adventures on the Inspired AntiquityInstagram or Facebook pages to get the play-by-play of my trip.

In the meantime, the biggest question is really what am I looking for in Tucson? So, here are the Top Three Loose Gemstones that I am currently on the hunt for at the AGTA GemFair™.

1. Rutilated Quartz Cabochon – I am dying to get my hands on some really beautiful strawberry red rutilated quartz. It’s a stone that I’ve been obsessed with for quite some time. I love the non-traditional color of the red as well. So often, I see the black or golden versions but the red just seems so apropos for a red-head in the desert.

Rutilated Quartz Cabochon

2. Dendritic Agate – I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a lovely oval piece last year for a necklace. But, I’m trying to hunt down some smaller pieces to fashion earrings to go with the necklace. I’d love a pair of pears to match with some colored stones perhaps as mix-and-match earrings. Even a lovely piece to create a neat ring out of would be fun.

Dendritic Agate

3. Rhodolite Garnets – I have loved this stone since I was a child. The deep plumy-red color just does it for me. I can picture it mixed with the dendritic agate as earrings and maybe a bit of smoky topaz.

Cushion Cut Rhodolite Garnet

Of course, it there is anything else which jumps out at me at the show; I am certainly not opposed to branching out! Truly, the biggest issue will be keeping myself in check. When it comes to gemstones, self-control is always an issue for a lifelong rock hound!

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And Here I Am.....

I grew up in a very artistic home with a deep appreciation for history. The history of our lineage, of the antiques we were surrounded by and the memories we were making. Every thing we touch tells a story of the people who came before us. The jewelry they wore is a huge part of these histories. And I am pleased to have the opportunity to touch and to be a part of these shared, jeweled stories.